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My car

DONT BUY THIS CAR. The car is slow. The 1.8 diesel is not powerful enough to get the car moving from a standstill. There is turbo lag, the turbo does not kick in until 2000 revs. Several times I have pulled out at turning and roundabouts, committing to the road only for the car to crawl out and barely move, much to the announce of other drivers. Have had several 'close calls' due to lack of movement of the car.

Got the x-pack. The upgraded seat coverings are nice and the panoramic roof lets lots of light in. The 18 inch alloys require 235/45 extra load tyres which cost £180-230, cheaper depending on how many you buy. They do not last long either, I get about 16-18,000 miles.

Interior looks better than its rivals but is not hard wearing. Plastics scratch easily and bits have snapped off, particularly around the handbrake.

Numerous electrical problems. Tailgate spontaneously opened whilst driving. Ford had car twice before fixing. Heated window strips malfunctioned, the whole window was replaced. Keep getting blown brake bulbs. I have replaced the left 3 times in as many months, the right twice in the last 6. the top brake light in the tailgate has blown.

The car is too expensive to service at main dealer. £350 large service. Got service done plus front discs and pads for £260 from local garage.

Would replace car but cannot afford to.

2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec 5dr

Darren Kelly
,
Cheshire
.
Date:
05/06/2013

Overall verdict

4
out of 5 stars

What's it like to drive

5
out of 5 stars

Running costs

5
out of 5 stars

Quality, practicality and equipment

4
out of 5 stars

Average MPG

45

My car

Had the car since new and now done 65k in 3 yrs. The car has exceeded my expectations of a Ford for reliability, performance and practicality - this is one car that actually lives up to the press reviews. The dealer service has been great and the servicing, parts and tyres very cheap. The only negative is it does chew up front tyres quickly (around 10-20k) - but 16" tyres for these are around £80 ea fitted. But i would think twice about buying one with 18" alloys. I regularly get 45 mpg out of it, but i do drive it heavy footed because this car goes so well! you almost forget it size. You sometimes think your driving a hatchback.

There are very few cars i've had that i would be happy to replace with the exact same car. But apart from a Galaxy there is nothing else that for the money is as good. The Galaxy is a LOT more expensive and you don't gain a great deal unless your regularly using the 7 seats. I have been looking at the new VW Sharan and Seat Alambra as my kids are getting bigger, but they are even more expensive and don't drive like the Fords. So with this model approaching 7-8 yrs old it is over due a replacement. I really hope they bring out a new S-MAX soon. I think the new Mondeo delays have had an impact. But i definitely will be buying another one even if it does mean the current model again. They are that good.

2.0 TDCi 163 Titanium X Sport 5dr

Michael Nuttall
,
---lancashire
.
Date:
05/06/2013

Overall verdict

3
out of 5 stars

What's it like to drive

3
out of 5 stars

Running costs

3
out of 5 stars

Quality, practicality and equipment

4
out of 5 stars

Average MPG

47

My car

Nice car but expensive.

The good: Great looking car with very stylish lines. Very comfortable. Nice slick gear change from the Twin clutch. Headlights that turn in the direction of steering.

The bad: Poor paint job. Turning circle of a cow running at speed. The tailgate is the heaviest i have ever come across! The black plastic console scratch's just by being near it!

In all, a very practical car with lots of room but way too expensive for what you get.

2.0 LX 5dr

john hart
,
Cumbria
.
Date:
09/03/2013

Overall verdict

5
out of 5 stars

What's it like to drive

5
out of 5 stars

Running costs

4
out of 5 stars

Quality, practicality and equipment

5
out of 5 stars

Average MPG

34.8

My car

I own a Titanium 140ps diesel, The S-Max is a great Family MPV, I especially like the 3 independent seats in the rear which all tilt and move perfect. only bad points about the finest ford I have ever owned is 1, The bonnet release catch went through a phase of sticking in the open position (this was fixed 3 times under warranty). 2, There is NO spare or jack OR wheel brace, what does this mean to you?? well if you have a puncture you now have to use the sealant canister provided by ford and as long as the hole in your tire is less than 6mm you should be ok and able to carry on with the repair and it will only cost you the price of a tyre (ONLY) however if the sealant doesn't repair your tyre. you now have to be recovered and buy a new tyre. this is a major set back and a major oversight by ford, the S-Max is not just used around town and is ideal for touring, its just a shame Ford forgot about this.
Apart from that if you have a family this is a perfect car for you, it ticks every box apart from the spare, the S-Max handles just like a car it is a smooth runner, fuel economy is good and it is very spacious. If asked to buy another car I would buy an S-Max again for my family it is a GREAT car and its just a shame that Ford have decided not to fit a spare or space saver or jack and wheel brace it is its ONLY let down.